Hey Scotty!
I've got a 2019 Honda Accord Sport 1.5L Manual Transmission, just under 15K miles.
Part one: I've been driving Honda forever b/c or reliability. Generally speaking, should I be able to drive this car for 20 years if I treat it right?
Part two: I'm seriously thinking about having some after-market parts installed, like a catted downpipe, an intake, and the reflash/tuner. Give it a bit more pep driving etc... As long as I do my homework on making sure the parts are specific for my car, and get a reliable shop to install them, is there any reason why I should not do this? Other than messing with the warranty.
Also if you answer this in one of your youtube videos can you let me know so I can watch? thank you!
Easily the car can last if taken care of. I would not do those parts. You will not notice much of a difference and you have to hope the tuner really knows what they're doing.
It should last a long time if you properly maintain it. As for the aftermarket stuff, skip it, save your $$. Won't do much more for performance and you void your warranty.
No one knows how long the new Accords especially with those 1.5L turbocharged I4 and electronic doodads will last. At least you have a manual transmission and not the (unproven) 10-speed AT. Stay on top of all the maintenance (especially engine oil), use the new GF-6 oil and see below for some oil dilution mitigation tips: you can certainly do a lot worse and Honda still in the Top 3 for overall reliability.
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/honda-1-5l-turbo-engine-with-gas-direct-injection/
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/postid/66706/
I would change the oil more frequently with the new oil (GF) and not push the car hard. About the aftermarket parts, I don't think it will benefit the reliability, I would not do that.
Part 1: FWIW, I am still driving a 1999 Honda Accord Manual Transmission with ~270K+ miles on it. That's 20+ years. Granted yours is a 2019, and mine was built a generation ago. I'd still place my bets on a Honda and Toyota lasting longer than any other car brand.
